Some of the destinations earmarked for ecotourism development include the Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary in the Ayeyarwady Delta, Myaing Hay Wun Elephant Camp in Yangon Region and Khakaborazi National Park, home to the highest mountains in the country and close to the northern-most frontier of the country, reports daily newspaper Global New Light of Myanmar.

Due to an increase in tourist arrivals, Myanmar needs to expand ecotourism projects, the ministry director, U Tint Thwin told the local media.

“We’ll also make it possible to survey the country’s flora and fauna in order to protect natural wildlife.”

The Department of Forestry and the tourism ministry are reportedly working together to expand ecotourism to spread tourism revenue to poorer regions of the country.

Safety and security are key factor that need to be addressed as many of the areas are remote.

The country welcomed over 4.6 million foreign visitors last year, an increase of 52% compared with 2014. The ministry estimates that tourist arrivals will reach 5.5 million this year. And by 2019, international tourist arrivals could reach 7.5 million.